RULES FOR THE STUDENT

**Rules and school policies apply to all school functions and services.
**Families of Milwaukee S.D.A. School are expected to support all major school functions such as: school picnics, Fitness Day, music programs, Education Fair, Winter Fest, International Food Fest, open house, graduation, parent/teacher conferences, etc. Students should support such activities through their attendance and their participation when appropriate. *Music Fest, Education Fair, and school programs such as the Christmas program are required.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

The observance of school rules is necessary in order to promote a harmonious, Christian environment as well as to conform to state laws, church standards, insurance regulations, and a common ethical code of right living.

Failure to carefully observe school rules could result in one or more of the following disciplinary actions as stated in the Student/Parent contract dealing with disciplinary action.

STUDENT & PARENT CONTRACT

I. Student Behavior

A. Personal Conduct
Every one has the right to feel safe, not be afraid of being hurt, or harmed, especially while in school. It is every student’s responsibility that while he/she attends this institution he/she will reflect a Christ-like character. Every student must therefore resolve in their heart that, with the help of God, parents, and teachers, they will refrain from engaging in, or encouraging others to engage in, the following:
1. Fighting, inciting a fight, or encouraging the continuation of a fight. (play fighting)
2. Smoking, or the possession, sale, or use of any tobacco products, alcohol or controlled substances.
3. Gambling, or possessing playing cards, dice, or other gambling materials.
4. Coercion or extortion of money, services, or favors.
5. Vandalism of any (school, neighborhood, or staff and student) property, i.e., writing on desks, restroom stalls, tagging the school, etc.)
6. Assault, and/or harassment in any form (physical, verbal, or sexual).
7. Graffiti or defacing property.
8. Throwing of snowballs, ice balls, rocks, etc.
9. Possession, sale, or use of any forms of weapons and their look-alike.
10. Threatening another student or encouraging a threat.
11. Using profanity, slang, vulgarity and/or sexually suggestive language, derogatory comments, gang symbols (i.e., hand motions, shakes, etc.), obscene gestures, or behavior.
12. No inappropriate words or symbols that do not reflect our Christian values on any school or personal items. It will be at the discretion of the administration to deem what is acceptable.
13. Disrespect toward any adult or student or refusing to cooperate with any staff member at this school.
14. Leaving the school building and/or campus without permission.
15. Bringing into the school and/or on school grounds any inappropriate literature (i.e., magazines, books, etc.), notes, "action" toys, or any other inappropriate toys. (Pokemon, WWF, etc)
16. Having “hickies,” any tattoos, or any type of bodily drawing.
17. Becoming pregnant, both (if from Milwaukee SDA school) students will be asked to withdraw from school.
18. Suicidal tendencies.
19. Any behavior or disruption identified by teachers and/or staff that is disruptive in nature to the school climate.
20. Stealing
21. Cheating
22. No cassette players/tapes, CD players/CD’s, Ipods (MP3 Players), radios, cell phones (see #23) or other types of electronic equipment should be brought to school unless requested by the teacher for a class project. If found they will be taken away until the end of the school year.
23. If parents feel the need for their child to bring a cell phone to school, it must be turned into the school office each morning when they arrive. It will be returned at the end of the school day when they leave. It cannot be used on the bus to and from school. Students may use their cell phones only after departing from the bus after school.
24. Students are to be quiet when in the hallways and restrooms.

If I choose not to act responsibly, the consequences may be or include a verbal or written apology, written assignment, monetary fine, charges for replacement costs, suspension from school, expulsion from school, or referral to civil authorities. The police can be called when criminal acts are involved.

B. Classroom Conduct

I have the right to work and learn in an atmosphere of mutual respect and courtesy where my teachers have the most opportunity to help me be successful. Therefore, I have the responsibility to help myself, my fellow students and my teachers by:

1. Being on time to each class.
2. Having the proper materials (book, paper, pen, pencil, etc.) and completing all assignments on time.
3. Listening to the teachers and following their directions and the rules set forth in the student handbook.
4. Not talking without permission, inappropriate verbal harassment.
5. Respecting the rights of all students to work and learn without interruption. This includes leaving my seat without permission, pushing, and/or shoving other students.
6. Taking good care of all school property.
7. Being especially careful not to lose or damage textbooks. Students will be charged for damage done to textbooks.
8. Never chewing gum, eating or drinking anything in class.
9. Following the rules established by each of my teachers.
10. Not being out of my classroom without a hallway or restroom pass.
11. Not cheating.
12. Students are be expected to attend school functions such as music programs, education fair, field trips, etc. Failure to attend will affect the student's grade.
13. Not cheating
14. Not stealing
15. Keeping track of their assignment notebook to be used when needed as a hall pass. Must be signed by the teacher

If I choose to not fulfill my responsibility, and do not live up to the high expectations that the Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist School has set for all of its students, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by the adult in charge. This could involve any of the consequences listed in the Disciplinary Measures section.

C. Academic Standards

If a student in grades 1-10 is failing in 3 or more courses, and they have been on academic probation 3 consecutive times (i.e. mid-term, end of nine weeks, next mid-term) without success; the Admissions Committee may recommend for board vote that the parent withdraw the child(ren) from Milwaukee. S.D.A. School and find an alternate educational program.

D. Auditorium Conduct

I have the right to enjoy presentations and performances held in our school auditorium without annoyance and interruptions as part of my work and educational experience. Therefore I am responsible to:

1. Enter and leave the auditorium in a quiet and orderly manner according to the dictate and supervision of my teacher.
2. Remain in my assigned seat.
3. Show my appreciation for the program with applause and courteous respect.
4. Remain quietly attentive to the program.
If I choose not to act responsibly in the auditorium, I will have to leave and be disciplined according to the consequences selected by the teacher in order to change my behavior.

E. Cafeteria Conduct

I have the right to eat my lunch in a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Therefore it is my responsibility to:

1. Stay with my teacher at all times.
2. Line up and proceed to the cafeteria in a quiet and orderly fashion according to the directions of my teacher.
3. Not enter the cafeteria for lunch without my teacher.
4. Fulfill the lunch detention if I am assigned to it in a respectful and mature manner. (Refer to the Detention Section on page 32)
5. Not leave the cafeteria without permission.
6. Line up orderly at the serving line.
7. Put garbage in the proper places.
8. Not yell, scream, or shout.
9. Not take food, straws, or eating utensils out of the cafeteria.
10. Always clean the table completely before I leave.
11. Not write on the tables and benches
12. Use good table manners and never throw food.
13. Line up quickly and quietly when leaving the cafeteria.
14. No caffeine drinks

If I choose not to fulfill my responsibilities, I am likely to receive a disciplinary consequence that will be designed to correct my behavior before I will be allowed to eat with my friends again.


F. Locker Room Conduct

Gym lockers are provided for grades 7-10. It is my responsibility therefore to:

1. Keep lockers clean and orderly.
2. Place no pictures or the like to the interior or exterior walls of the locker.
3. Not consume food, beverages, candy, gum or snacks of any kind in the locker room.
4. The school will provide a rented combination lock for each student ($5 deposit required)

The school does reserve the right to examine locker contents whenever deemed prudent. If locker room privileges are abused the staff reserves the right to close them indefinitely.

G. Transportation Behavior

Maintaining a proper Christian atmosphere and a high level of safety requires the full cooperation of all school transportation riders. Safe transportation is no accident! It is my responsibility therefore to:

1. Remain in my seat at all times.
2. Keep hands, arms, and head inside the windows and to myself.
3. Keep noise to a minimum.
4. Obey the driver and be on time for my pick up. The driver will wait for me no more than one minute if I am late.
5. Not eat, drink or chew gum while in vehicles.
6. Help keep the school vehicles clean and free of vandalism.
7. Not throw objects inside or outside the school vehicles.
8. Use appropriate speech at all times.
9. Not have objects that may jeopardize the health and safety of those on the school vehicles.
10. Behave in the vehicle as though in the classroom.
11. Not verbally or physically harass another on the school vehicle.
12. Not bring any electronic equipment in any school vehicle at any time. Also refer to the Electronic Equipment section on page 31.

I must remember that riding the school transportation is a privilege. All school rules remain in effect when riding school transportation.

Disciplinary Actions: My disruptive behavior can cause an accident and I can lose my privilege to ride the school transportation. When the school transportation driver’s instructions are not followed completely and immediately, or the transportation rules or safety are disregarded, a misconduct report shall be written up and corrective measures will be taken in proportion to the offending action, as well as the disciplinary transportation record of the student.

A student may not get off school transportation at another student’s stop without prior written approval from parents. Students may not ride home on another school bus without prior permission from the driver and their parent. (Often times the busses are full and cannot accommodate extra students.)

The parents must notify the driver within a reasonable amount of time if a student is not to be picked up. If there is no notification and this occurs three or more times, the student will be taken off the route.

ONLY during extended medical leaves – meaning two weeks or more – can the van rate be reduced. This leave must be substantiated by a doctor’s written documentation.

H. Displaying Affection

Displaying of physical affection, such as hugging, kissing, holding hands, or inappropriate touching while at school does not enhance the educational process. I will cooperate voluntarily to avoid the embarrassment of parents being notified.

I. Possession or Use of Weapons

I shall not possess or use a dangerous weapon or its look alike in school buildings, on school grounds, in school vehicles, or at school sponsored activities. According to state law, any person who knowingly possesses or is armed with a dangerous weapon on school premises is guilty of a misdemeanor or felony, depending upon the seriousness of the offense. It should be noted that City of Milwaukee ordinance 105-34 specifically addresses the carrying and/or display of look alike weapons.

A dangerous weapon or its look alike is defined in state statutes and includes the following: Guns, knives, razors, martial arts equipment, metal belt buckles, and any other object that, by the manner in which it is used or intended to be used, is capable of inflicting bodily harm or could pretend to be capable of inflicting bodily harm. Disciplinary measures taken for possession or use of a dangerous weapon or look alike weapon may include suspension, referral to law enforcement authorities, and referral for expulsion. It should be noted that The Federal Gun Free Schools Act requires expulsion for no less than 1 year for anyone who is determined to have brought a weapon to school or a school function. Legal References: Wisconsin Statutes 120.13(l), 939.22(10), 948.60, 948.61, 921 (a) (3), 8921 (d) (1), 120.13 (1) (c) (2m), 120.13 (e), (2.) (b.), 120.13 (1) (g), 948.605(3)(a), 939.632

J. Electronic Equipment

I shall not have in my possession “beepers,” electronic pets, electronic paging, cell phones or other two way communication devices without written permission from the principal. They are prohibited at any time while on school property, while involved in a school activity, and/or while under the supervision of the school, including the bus. Radios, recorders, boom boxes, disk players, headsets, walk mans, disk mans, video games, CD players, Ipods, MP3 players, cameras, etc., have no place in the school setting and unless required, needed or requested by the teacher for a special project in a class, should not be brought into the building during school hours. Aside from the possibility of being stolen, mechanical devices as mentioned above disturb the educational process and should be left at home. If I am found only once to have any of the above-mentioned devices, I understand they will be taken from me and returned at the end of the school year.

K. Alcohol, Tobacco and Narcotics

In accordance with Seventh-day Adventist church beliefs, I will not use tobacco products, alcohol, or narcotics in the school building, on school grounds, or during any outside school activities. If I am caught using tobacco products on the school premises or during any outside school activity, I will have my name and a brief written description of the incident given to the Milwaukee Police Department by the school principal for issuance of a citation. Other possible disciplinary actions may include in or out-of school suspension.

All alcohol/drug related incidents should be immediately reported to the principal who in turn will report the incident to the school board. The possession, attempt to possess, or use of alcoholic beverages and/or drug or any narcotic substance on school property is prohibited. The same shall apply to all persons who sell the above products or their look alike in school or school property. Anyone caught in possession of or consuming any form of alcoholic beverage, drug, or narcotic substance on school premises will be immediately dismissed or suspended and contact will be made with his/her parent/guardian, or other proper authorities. Students should be aware that violations of this policy also constitute violations of Chapter 331 of the Wisconsin Statutes, which provides for fines of up to $2,500. This law not only prohibits use and/or consumption of alcoholic beverages on school premises, but also applies while at school activities, and law enforcement officials will be contacted to deal with these offenders. Students who appear at any school event having violated this policy will be excluded from that activity and referred to the local police. All references to alcohol shall include other intoxicants as well as drugs or controlled substances. In short you may not only be suspended or expelled from school; you may go to jail.

The school board has the right to implement a drug test if reasonable suspicion occurs.

L. Code of Conduct for Student Travel

When traveling, whether on a field trip or other outing sponsored by the school, your behavior should reflect not only your values, but also those of the Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist School and the Seventh-day Adventist Church. You are expected to adhere to the following standards of behavior. Students will:

1. Dress according to the standard established by the school.
2. Follow all directives without exception, from any supervising staff including advisors and chaperones.
3. Attend all functions--including meals, ceremonies, etc., associated with the activity of the entire group.
4. Travel at all times with the entire group.
5. Abstain from using all forms of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol.
6. Conduct themselves in a responsible manner at all times.

Co curricular travel is an extension of the school day. Rules governing student conduct in the school building will apply for the duration of the activity and are found in the Student Handbook and this contract.

 

II. Personal Appearance

I have read the Dress Code policy and agree to abide with all the rules and regulations set therein.

III. Discipline

A. Responsibility of the Parents

The school is committed to the principle that parents have the primary responsibility for the dress, conduct, and discipline of their children (Ephesians 6:4; Education: pp. 246 249, 287 297; Messages to Young People pp. 313 315, 345 349), etc. Therefore, although the school will discipline students whose behavior warrants, parents will be asked to come to the school for conferences should it be deemed necessary by the administration.
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B. Detention/Suspension and Expulsion Policy

Any student failing to abide by the reasonable rules and regulations of the school relating to conduct and behavior may serve up to a three day detention or receive an out of school suspension by the disciplinary committee and/or the principal. The principal at his/her discretion may convene the disciplinary committee.

The parent/guardian shall be notified in writing immediately upon suspension, including reasons for the suspension.
Before a student is suspended the student must and will be notified of the following: The rule(s) violated, the evidence supporting the charge(s), and the length and conditions of the suspension. Students must and will also be given the opportunity to present their understanding of the story. Parents of students on suspension should arrange to meet with the principal prior to the child returning to the normal program and schedule.

Students serving a detention/suspension, or expelled are not permitted to attend and/or participate in co curricular activities during the period of detention or suspension including any day on which a detention or suspension is served. A suspended student shall not be denied the opportunity to take any quarterly or semester examination(s) or to complete any course work missed during the suspension. Students may receive detention, suspension from one to three days or expulsion as a consequence to the following:

1. Excessive violations of school rules.
2. Tobacco, alcohol or drug related offenses.
3. Swearing
4. Threatening a student or school employee.
5. Pupil or staff harassment.
6. Fighting.
7. Possession of a weapon or its look alike.
8. Possession of, selling, igniting, or any other activity associated with explosives, fireworks, or their look alike.
9. Misuse of school equipment, i.e., computers, projectors, and/or cameras.
10. Vandalism or destruction of school property. (Students will be responsible for the financial cost/restitution).
11. Repeated failure to attend classes or assigned detentions. Three tardies is considered one absence; fifteen unexcused absences in two consecutive quarters will jeopardize their continued enrollment and their grade/credit in the class. Medical and other obvious exceptions will be made. Excessive excused absences (More than 5 days in any quarter) will result in the student being brought up for review by the Admission Committee.
12. Other actions determined by the principal to be harmful to students or disruptive to the learning environment.
13. Stealing
14. Cheating
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C. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

1. TRANSPORTATION DISCIPLINE

Removal from school transportation is the consequence of misbehavior on school vehicles. Termination of riding privileges may result upon further offenses.

2. DETENTION

Students will report to the office or assigned room with a complete set of assignments from all teachers to serve detention time during recess/break time or after school. Students will remain in the office or assigned room throughout the assigned time. Failure to behave properly and cooperate with school staff during detention time may result in an out-of-school suspension and/or a parent conference.
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3. OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION

During out of school suspensions, which can last three or more days, students are not to come to school or onto the school grounds, and shall not participate in or attend any school activities. When suspended students return to school they will be given the opportunity to take any exams missed and do course work while under suspension. Work is to be brought or handed in to the teacher(s) on the day they return to school.

4. PERMISSION TO SEARCH

Teacher, principal, or staff member if reasonable suspicion occurs has the right to search: pockets, locker, coats, backpacks, desks, school supplies/kits, and car (if one school property). Parents may be called to do a strip search as school cannot.

5. POLICE/LAW ENFORCEMENT

If the police come to the school to arrest or question a student the school will make every reasonable attempt to contact the parents. In the event a parent cannot be reached, the school board has given the school administration the authority to make the decision. In the event the parent(s) cannot be present, the principal will be present with the student and police.

6. EXPULSION

This means you are locked out of the educational process.

Authority to expel a student is granted by the school board through the disciplinary committee which may expel a pupil from school whenever it finds him/her guilty of repeated refusal or neglect to obey the rules set forth by the school community. This also applies when the committee finds that he/she is engaged in conduct which would constitute a crime, if he/she were an adult engaged in actions that endangers the safety of others, and is satisfied that the interest of the school demands expulsion.